October slipped in suddenly behind September—the first day of a new month and a trip to see my oncologist. Seeing my “rare” NET cancer family on ZOOM was a boost I needed for both body & soul! A surprise visit from my best friend from college made the day even more special! I’m moving slow, but with optimism, I can say, “Onward, October!”
Did you know today is National Name Your Car day (and many other “notables” for October 2nd)? If you’ve spent any time around here, you know I love a good flannel shirt, crisp autumn air, and a great road trip. So, it felt only right that today, my faithful vehicle finally got her official name.
Meet Lady Winnie the Subie.
She’s a beautiful desert khaki Subaru. It’s a color meant for the Ozarks dirt back roads and dusty trails—military-chic, ready for anything, …including being “grounded”. In British tradition, “Winnie” is short for Winifred, which means “peaceful friend.” She’s been my sidekick, along with Finley (Finnie & Winnie?) for 9 1/2 years.
Looking back at the last stretch of road, she has lived up to that name.
Lady Winnie and I have done some incredibly hard miles together. When I went through my cancer treatments, everything in my world had to slow down to a crawl—including my car. She sat, she waited, and she stalled out right alongside me. There were days when the road ahead felt completely shrouded in fog.
But cars, like people, sometimes need a little restoration before the next big journey.
Yesterday, Lady Winnie had to go into the shop for some brand-new wheel bearings. It made me smile, and honestly, it made me reflect. Wheel bearings are what keep a car balanced, stable, and rolling smoothly under heavy pressure. Ah, yes, my wheel bearings have recently been changed on ME, TOO!
I feel the weight of the hard seasons and need to embrace the rest. My boots can be laced–if I keep a pace of grace. May strength will return because of Christ in me! Meanwhile, Lady Winnie is sitting in the driveway with a full tank of gas. She is staying “filled up” and ready, standing guard as a physical promise of the adventures to come.
It is a beautiful reminder of how God treats us. When our personal tanks are completely empty, His grace remains completely full. He meets us in the pit stops of life, providing the spiritual “new bearings” we need to find our balance again.
As we step into October, I am intentionally steering my heart in the direction of God.
I am looking forward to autumn adventures with a renewed sense of hope. The golden leaves, the cooler breeze, and the peaceful roads are calling. We might have some outside scars, dings, or dents… but the driver’s seat is secure, and the Navigator knows exactly where we are going.
Welcome to October, my friends. May your tank be overflowing with blessings and peace!
Do you have a name for your ride? How has God filled your tank when your energy was low?
***as I “grasp” the costs of gas and daily living,this verse comes to mind DAILY -“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. BUT TAKE HEART. I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Take heart, dear precious friends.
Don’t lose faith, friends. You are loved.
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i’m glad Lady Winnie is all tuned up with the wheel bearings. For being such great vehicles in our lives, we do need to make sure they are being taken good care of so they can take care of us for years to come! Blessings to you this October Karla!
Thank you, Mike! And to you, my friend. She (and I) plan on many more miles! Blessings to you!
So glad you had that morale boost Karla… You are amazing……
Mary
Aww Mary. Thank you! You’re so sweet.
I used to have a little black Skoda that the children named Black Beauty. Then that was replaced by a red one called Ruby. I haven’t named my current one which is white so I’m now inspired by your post to give her a name. Perhaps Snowy after the adventures of TinTin.
I love that, Nicola! And Black Beauty and Ruby, too. Snowy…just perfect!
Your article on the River was so inspiring! I tried to comment~ I’ll keep an eye out to see what I can do. “Let go and let it flow!” God is so good!
I love how you keep Lady Winfred filled with gas and at the ready. Blessing to you, Karla! Your stories are always inspiring and uplifting. Even though you’ve faced many trials, the unexplored trail is still ahead. Hey, that sounded like something you might say!
Hi, my friend! She’s ready to go! I filled my tank this morning with worship and song 🎶. What is so fun is that we (my twin, brother-in-law, and I) are taking our parents on a “tiny” trip today to get them (and me!) out to enjoy the time, drive, and scenery. The “unexplored” road is still ahead~ amen!! Thank you, my friend! God bless you!
Sounds like fun. Now that it is cooling off a bit, adventure awaits!
Now that you have new wheel bearings, I think it’s time to take the Subie for a spin. After all, those new bearings have turned her into a well-oiled fidget spinner. Take her down some backroads and drive through piles of leaves. There’s some sort of adventure out there, waiting for her and you, out on some dirt road, somewhere.
Tippy, that’s a grand idea! I love it! Thank you, dear friend.
Karla, I had not thought about this in years, but I used to have an Avalon that my daughter named Frankie. We never named my next car and I’ve had it for 14 years! It’s bright blue, a car color you rarely see. I’ve always thought there’s no privacy for me. Everyone knows my car and where I am!
Praying every night for you, my sweet friend. May God bless you with strength today and every day (and Finley, too!) 🙏🐾💕🚙
I love your sense of humor and zest for life, Karla. Your car seems to be hanging in there right along with you! Happy Fall! Enjoy the cooler weather!
Hello Winnie. Continue to faithfully carry my little sister everywhere she needs to go 🙂
A sweet metaphor for hope and direction, Karla. And “Finnie and Winnie” is a winning team if there ever was one❣